Jacoby Ellsbury, former MLB star for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, returns to Oregon for his induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

OREGON, USA — From a small town in Central Oregon to the bright lights of Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium, Jacoby Ellsbury built a major league career on speed, determination and a drive to win. Now, the former Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees star is returning to Oregon to take his place among the state’s sports greats with his induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Ellsbury’s journey began on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he grew up and played his first games of baseball.

“Warm Springs Indian Reservation is where I grew up and played my first tee ball there, basketball, then my family moved to Madras,” Ellsbury said. “We got our first stop light or blinking light when I was a senior in high school.”

Long before the championship trophies and major league spotlight, Ellsbury had a dream of playing professional baseball. He said he even wrote it down as a child.

“It was always a dream of mine to play in the big leagues. I wrote it down — I think my mom still has it — probably third or fourth grade,” Ellsbury said.

After being drafted out of high school, Ellsbury faced a difficult decision: sign a professional contract or attend college.

“I got drafted out of high school. It was a tough decision to sign as a high schooler — more money than my family has ever seen — or go to college,” he said.

Ellsbury ultimately chose Oregon State University, where he continued developing his game. During his third season, the Beavers were picked to finish last in the Pac-10 preseason poll. Instead, the team defied expectations and advanced to the 2005 College World Series.

Ellsbury said he remains proud of that Oregon State team and the experience they shared.

“The Oregon State jersey, pretty proud of the ’05 team,” he said.

After spending two years in the minor leagues, Ellsbury finally got his opportunity with the Boston Red Sox. On June 30, 2007, he received the call to the major leagues. An injury to Coco Crisp opened the door for Ellsbury to take over in center field and lead off for Boston.

“In 2007, I get called up June 30th. I play really well. A guy gets hurt, Coco Crisp, and that day, I found out I was playing center field and leading off for the Boston Red Sox,” Ellsbury said.

The opportunity quickly turned into a dream season. The Red Sox advanced to the postseason and won the 2007 World Series, giving Ellsbury his first championship ring.

“We end up going to the postseason and winning the World Series, but I felt I just got thrown into the fire. I wasn’t expecting a call-up, but it’s one of those things you always got to be ready,” he said.

Ellsbury went on to win another World Series with Boston in 2013.

His career collection includes two World Series trophies, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award, which recognizes the best offensive player at each position.

“Obviously, the 2007 World Series trophy, 2011 Silver Slugger that goes to the best offensive player in your position,” Ellsbury said while showing off some of the memorabilia from his career.

He also collected baseball bats signed by some of the game’s biggest stars.

“I collected bats. You know, guys collect baseball cards. I collected bats as a player,” he said.

Among his collection are bats signed by Ichiro Suzuki, Ken Griffey Jr. and David Ortiz.

While Ellsbury has plenty of memories from his major league career, he said the people who helped him along the way played an important role in his success.

“You got to have good coaches along the way when you’re young. It doesn’t have to be teaching fundamentals, but just life lessons,” he said.

Ellsbury specifically remembered his Little League and high school coaches, along with former Oregon State coach Pat Casey.

“I think of my Little League coaches, I mentioned high school coaches. Pat Casey was one of the biggest reasons I went to Oregon State,” Ellsbury said.

Now, Ellsbury will add another honor to his collection with his induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. He said the recognition is especially meaningful because of the athletes who came before him.

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“To go into the Hall of Fame with the likes of track and field legends of their sport and be alongside of them is a true honor,” Ellsbury said.

He said his wife, children, parents and brothers were among the first people he told about the news.

“I found out and the first person I told was my wife and kids, my father, my mom and my brothers. But what an unbelievable honor,” Ellsbury said.

For Ellsbury, the induction represents more than a successful baseball career. It’s recognition of a journey that began with a childhood dream in Central Oregon and ultimately took him to the top of professional baseball.

“What an honor it is to be amongst the greats of Oregon sports,” Ellsbury said.